Keep a lookout for this Giant Trance 2 mountain bike - stolen during a test ride in Beaconsfield, Victoria on Friday 17 November 2018, after being advertised for sale on Gumtree. More information about the theft and suspect further below!

Robbie Moreton - BMX Bandit Stunt Rider

Before becoming a 26-year veteran Victorian Police Officer, Robbie Moreton was an expert BMX rider, whose skills saw him become one of a small handful of stunt riders selected to work alongside the up and coming Nicole Kidman in the acclaimed 1983 movie - BMX Bandits.

Robbie wearing a wig to look like Nicole Kidman

Robbie wearing the blue helmet bunny hops his bike in one of the scenes.

Post BMX Bandits, Robbie joined the Victoria Police

Post BMX Bandits, Robbie followed his childhood dream by joining the Victoria Police. He went on to become a respected expert Detective in the Counter Terrorism Unit, where he worked until 2011, before retiring.

Robbie as a young Constable - photograph circa 1986

Robbie's Life Cut Short

Tragically on November 6, 2017, Robbie passed away at the far too young age of 51, as a result of a stroke. Robbie is survived by his much loved daughters, Carly and Taylor.

Robbie with young Carly sitting on his knee in a police divisional van. Photograph taken circa 1995.

Jordan the alleged Gumtree Bike Bandit strikes

12 months after Robbie's passing, his family decided to sell some of his possessions including his 2014 Giant Trance 2 mountain bike, which they advertised for sale on Gumtree.

On Thursday 16 November 2018, a male purporting to be an interested buyer made contact via Gumtree. Arrangements were made for the man identified from his Gumtree profile as 'Jordan' to inspect the bike at the family home in Beaconsfield, Victoria the following day.

At about lunchtime 17 November, Jordan - who is approximately 38 to 48 years old (full description below) arrived on a 2012 model Giant Talon 29er. Portraying being part of the mountain biking brethren, Jordan engaged in a conversation that indicated he had knowledge of mountain bikes.

The precarious test ride

Understandably, like most bike buyers, Jordan asked to take the bike for a test ride, and offered to leave behind the Giant Talon, as well as a Giro bike helmet, backpack, mobile phone, set of keys and a wallet as surety. This offer of security has similarities to the playbook by last years still unidentified Gumtree Bike Bandit, who wreaked havoc across Melbourne stealing multiple bikes.

After asking for the tyres to be pumped up, he defied a request to only ride out the front of the house, and rode off on the bike and didn't return. Fairly quickly realising something wasn't right, a quick search was commenced for Jordan and bike, but was fruitless. It seems likely that he had a getaway car parked nearby.

This is a solvable crime - $1,000 Reward Posted

Jordan, the bike stolen and the bike and other property left behind are identifiable. Bike Vault have pledged a reward of up to $1,000 for any information that leads to the identity and arrest of the alleged Gumtree Bike Bandit by the police and the recovery of the Giant Trance. The reward is offered in good faith and can be withdrawn or amended at any time.

Bike Vault rewards are funded by donations to our reward program and income from our online product sales. To learn more about our reward program and to make a donation, please click on this link: Bike Vault Rewards

Can you help to identify Jordan? Jordan is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 6 foot (180 cm) tall, slim build, approximately 38 – 48 years old, with short cropped/shaved mousey brown hair and a small goatee.

Standout features and clothing: Jordan had full-length sleeve tattoos on both arms and was wearing a red Liverpool soccer t-shirt.

Do you recognise the Giant Talon or any of the suspected stolen items left behind?

Jordan left behind the Giant Talon (PV 10857), as well as a red and grey colored backpack, Giro bike helmet, set of keys, black leather wallet and a white colored mobile phone.

Lacking bike ID is a major driver of bike theft

Purchase one of our sophisticated BIKE ID KITs that provide 20 points of OVERT, COVERT, STEALTH and DIGITAL ID protection to the whole of your bike and help support BIKE VAULT and FREE services we provide to the cycling community and police to combat bike theft. Single kit $20.00 - Family Pack of four - $60.00. Click here to learn more and order your kit.

Head to our online shop to see all our products to protect your ride: Bike Vault Shop

Velosure Bike Insurance

For a limited time Velosure are offering Bike Vault members and supporters a 10% discount on all Velosure Bicycle policies by entering the promo code BIKEVAULT10 when taking out a policy online.

This insurance is issued by The Hollard Insurance Company. Terms & Conditions apply. Consider the PDS - visit velosure.com.au for details and the PDS. Velosure may remove this offer at it its discretion without prior notice. Bike Vault may receive a referral commission for each Velosure policy sold.

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